Yoga Therapy

Yoga Therapy is for everyone – the sessions are highly focused on your needs and apply the therapeutic principles of yoga, movement, breathing techniques and mindfulness/meditation. It goes beyond the traditional yoga class by tailoring practices to specific health goals and limitations.

What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga therapy has lots of definitions but the one that resonates most with me is from the Minded Institute: “yoga therapy is the application of yoga practices to alleviate physical and mental health conditions with the view of promoting self-care and encouraging overall well-being.”

Key Aspects of Yoga Therapy

Tailored Approach: As a Yoga Therapist I work one-on-one or in small groups to create customised practices for each individual.

Holistic Focus: Your personalised Yoga Therapy sessions will address every aspect of your life, integrating mind, body, and spirit rather than treating body parts or systems separately.

Approaches Used: During your Yoga Therapy sessions I will use various techniques, including:

  • Postures and exercises
  • Breathing techniques
  • Meditation and visualisation
  • Relaxation methods

Applications and Benefits

Yoga therapy can be used to support a wide range of conditions, and is particularly useful in helping to manage:

  • Stress Management and relaxation techniques
  • Mental health issues including depression and anxiety
  • Chronic pain management from conditions such as inflammatory arthritis
  • Improved flexibility and strength
  • Female health including perimenopause and pain arising from gynaecological issues such as endometriosis

Benefits may include stress reduction, improved psychological well-being, better physical functioning, and enhanced overall health. Yoga Therapy does not replace traditional medicine and is a supporting modality. 

What to Expect in a Yoga Therapy Session

A typical yoga therapy session involves:

  • Initial Assessment: I will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your health concerns and goals.
  • Customised Practice Plan: Based on the assessment, I will design a personalised yoga practice. This will normally last for 6 sessions and will be adjusted as appropriate as we work together.
  • Guided Practice: I will guide you through the practice, which may include physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
  • Home Practice: I will provide instructions for a home practice to support your ongoing progress and self-care

Testimonials

Swipe to see testimonials

Helen

My work with Vicky has hugely increased my awareness of the impact of my foot pain on the rest of my body, and has also given me tools I can use to address other physical issues that have arisen as a result of this, including shoulder pain, hip pain and general backache.

Helen

Vicky’s approach was kind and sympathetic, but we were there to do a job, setting clear goals and expectations and follow up.

I can’t thank her enough for helping me through a challenging time and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.

Alison

I really appreciated the way in which Vicky took the time to listen and understand the triggers for my anxiety and in each session she customised the therapy to meet my needs. Subsequently, I have used some the strategies she suggested for my toolkit to manage specific flareups.

Scott

Vicky worked on my posture which I have found not only helps me physically but also mentally to have a more positive outgoing outlook. I feel I am walking with a straighter back, less sloped shoulders and trying to keep a level head. I have very tight shoulders and have known this for quite a while now. Vicky has helped me to work at getting more mobility in my shoulders and I am starting to see improvements. Similar to my shoulders I have tight hips and working with Vicky has helped to improve not only my mobility in my hips but some pain I was getting when I first saw her for a therapy session.

Scott

I have found Yoga Therapy to be a worthwhile experience both physically and mentally. I was not sure what to expect from the sessions and was a little sceptical about the “fluffier” sides of yoga, but every session was a benefit to me. Vicky was very good at talking through
the sessions and what the benefits were and how the yoga practice would help me in different ways.
I would thoroughly recommend Vicky and yoga therapy to other people.

How to book your Yoga Therapy Sessions

In the first instance, book a discovery call with Vicky to discuss your needs and to make sure that Yoga Therapy will be able to help you.

Click the button to find a time that works for you:

Book Call

Qualifications

I have undergone extensive Yoga Therapy training of over 600 hours, in addition to my initial 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training. This included training with physiotherapists, oncology specialists and sound therapists. This training has equipped me to assess my clients' needs, create safe practices, and work alongside your other healthcare providers.

Yoga therapy is evidence based and empowers you to take an active role in your health and well-being, providing tools for self-care and personal growth. It is increasingly recognised by doctors as part of the ‘social prescribing’ approach within the NHS that helps individuals to be part of their own healing process.

Working with your GP

Your GP should be involved in your yoga therapy treatment in several important ways:

Communication and Coordination

Informing Your GP: You should inform your GP about your yoga therapy sessions and the specific practices you're undertaking. This allows your GP to have a complete picture of your health interventions.

Sharing Medical Information: Ask your GP to provide relevant medical information to your yoga therapist, including diagnoses, medications, and any other treatments you're receiving.

Safety and Appropriateness

Assessing Suitability: Your GP can help determine if yoga therapy is appropriate for your specific health conditions and can advise on any potential risks or contraindications.

Reviewing Proposed Practices: If there are questions about the safety of specific yoga practices, ask your GP to review them. You can bring descriptions or images of the poses or techniques to your appointment.

Monitoring Progress

Regular Check-ins: Keep your GP updated on your progress with yoga therapy and any changes in your symptoms or overall health.

Adjusting Treatment Plans: Your GP can help adjust your overall treatment plan based on your response to yoga therapy, potentially modifying medications or other interventions as needed.

Remember, yoga therapy is meant to complement, not replace, conventional medical care. By involving your GP, you ensure a more integrated and comprehensive approach to your health and well-being.